Dr. Tammie Hodge​​​​​​​

Veterinarian, Owner​​​​​​​

Dr. Tammie Hodge is the founder and owner of River Mill Animal Hospital, where she has built a practice centered on compassionate care, strong client relationships, and treating every patient like family.

She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and completed an intensive medical and surgical internship with BluePearl Veterinary Partners. Dr. Hodge has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2001, bringing decades of experience in general practice and a special interest in dermatology and pet wellness care.

In 2014, she brought her vision to life by opening River Mill Animal Hospital—creating a space where exceptional patient care and a personalized client experience come together.

Dr. Hodge’s approach to veterinary medicine focuses on truly connecting with both pets and their owners. She believes in listening closely to client concerns, forming meaningful bonds with her patients, and delivering individualized care that supports long, healthy lives. One of her greatest passions is helping pets maintain quality of life through preventative care—giving families more time with the companions they love.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Hodge enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. She is an avid football fan—cheering on the Florida Gators on Saturdays and keeping up with the NFL on Sundays. She also enjoys staying active through circuit-style workouts.

She shares her life with her husband, Ricardo and their three dogs—Sydney (Chihuahua), Banks (Bernese Mountain Dog), and Nakia (Bernedoodle)—who keep life fun, busy, and full of love.

​​​​​​​Education:
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

Kim Massaro-Shields

Practice Manager, Veterinary Technician​

Kim has been part of River Mill Animal Hospital since the very beginning, joining the team just two weeks before the hospital opened its doors in 2014. She has worked in veterinary medicine since 2004, bringing more than two decades of experience caring for pets and supporting the families who love them.

As both the Practice Manager and a Veterinary Technician, Kim plays an important role in helping ensure River Mill Animal Hospital continues to provide compassionate, high-quality care to pets throughout Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills.

Kim was drawn to veterinary medicine because of her deep love for animals and her desire to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. One of the most rewarding parts of her job is helping sick or critical patients through difficult moments and watching them recover and return home to their families.

She has a special interest in senior pet care and nutrition, and she enjoys helping pet owners understand how proper diet and preventative care can improve their pets’ long-term health and quality of life.

What she apperciates the most about being at River Mill is the incredible bond between the team, clients, and patients. She considers the hospital a true family and feels fortunate to work with such caring pet owners and wonderful animals every day.

Kim shares her life with her husband, daughter, and two step-daughters along with their four pets — Bruce, a mixed-breed hound; Shiner, a beagle; and two cats named Tony and Steve.

Outside of the hospital, she enjoys Tampa Bay Lightning hockey, line dancing, live music, and being a proud team mom supporting her daughter’s Sharks flag football team.

Jennifer Drew

Veterinary Technician

With over nine years in veterinary medicine, Jen brings both experience and heart to her role as a Veterinary Technician at River Mill Animal Hospital, where she has been a valued team member for over three years. Her lifelong love for animals led her into the field, and that passion continues to show in the care she provides every day.

Jen especially enjoys working closely with patients and has a strong interest in veterinary dentistry, where attention to detail and patient comfort make a meaningful impact on overall health. She takes pride in treating every pet as if they were her own.

What Jen enjoys about her job is the family-like atmosphere among the team—something clients often feel the moment they walk through the door.

At home, she cares for her three cats—Binx, Twoey, and Kersha—as well as her rabbit, Jack. Outside of work, Jen enjoys going to live music events and spending time at theme parks. She’s also a big fan of Halloween and travels to Ireland whenever she can to visit her stepson.

And if you happen to be a football fan, you might appreciate this—Jen is a dedicated Miami Dolphins supporter… complete with a life-size cutout of Dan Marino in her living room.​​​​​​​

Tori King

Veterinary Technician

Tori joined the River Mill team in 2025 and brings five years of experience in veterinary medicine. Having grown up around animals, her love for them naturally led her into a career where she can make a meaningful impact every day.

She especially enjoys blood collection and laboratory work, where she plays a key role in helping diagnose and guide patient care. Tori takes pride in being part of the behind-the-scenes work that ensures pets receive accurate and timely treatment.

Tori has a special interest in feline care—especially black cats, which happen to be her favorite! At home, she has two of her own, Bubba and Mookie.

What she loves most about River Mill is the small, cozy environment and the close-knit team that creates a welcoming, personal experience for both clients and their pets.

Outside of work, Tori enjoys gardening, cooking, and embracing her love for Halloween and horror movies.

Stephanie Hendershot

Receptionist

Stephanie joined the River Mill team in 2022 and began her career in veterinary medicine that same year. Her passion for animals and desire to be part of something meaningful led her into the field, where she enjoys helping pets and the people who love them every day.

Her favorite part of the job is being part of a strong, supportive team and watching new patients grow while ensuring they stay healthy and happy. Stephanie has a special interest in surgeries and takes pride in contributing to the care and comfort of each patient.

At home, Stephanie has two cats, Cali and Mystic, who keep life fun and full of personality.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and traveling whenever she can.

Stephanie wants clients to know that River Mill may be a small clinic, but it’s a mighty one—dedicated to providing exceptional care under the leadership of Dr. Hodge and a team that truly cares.

Xavier Thompson

Veterinary Assistant

Xavier joined the River Mill team in 2022 with a clear goal—being a voice for animals who can’t speak for themselves. Whether he’s helping collect diagnostic samples or supporting patient care behind the scenes, he plays an important role in making sure every pet gets the attention they need.

He especially enjoys the hands-on side of veterinary medicine and has a growing interest in working with exotic animals in the future. His passion doesn’t stop at the clinic—Xavier is a dedicated reptile enthusiast and currently cares for his ball pythons, Gator and Bone, along with his chameleon, Mithron. He’s always looking forward to expanding his collection (and yes…that may include geckos and tarantulas down the road!).

At River Mill, Xavier appreciates the laid-back, team-oriented environment and the strong connections he’s built with his coworkers. Outside of work, you’ll find him reading comics, going for runs, or gaming.

If your pet happens to have scales instead of fur, Xavier is definitely your guy.